Obama, Merkel agree to talks on U.S. spying

Jul. 4, 2013
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President Obama and Angela Merkel / Michael Sohn, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

The United States, Germany and probably other nations will soon hold talks on American surveillance tactics that include alleged spying on European allies.

Amid reports that the U.S. has bugged various embassies and missions, President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had what sounds like an uncomfortable discussion by phone on Wednesday, the White House reported.

"The President assured the Chancellor that the United States takes seriously the concerns of our European allies and partners," said a White House statement on the call.

The White House said Obama and Merkel agreed to "a high-level meeting of U.S. and German security officials in the coming days" to discuss surveillance issues disclosed in news leaks by former government contractor Edward Snowden.

The two leaders also support a United States-European Union "dialogue" on the "collection and oversight of intelligence and questions of privacy and data protection," said the White House.

EU officials have expressed outrage over news reports on the activities of the National Security Agency.

Obama and Merkel "reaffirmed the importance of continued close cooperation between our respective intelligence services in the fight against terrorism and other threats to the security of the United States, Germany, and our allies," the White House said.

The leaders also discussed trade issues and the deaths of 19 firefighters in an Arizona wildfire.

The White House readout:

"President Obama spoke by phone today with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, who offered condolences on the tragic deaths of 19 firefighters in Arizona.

"The President and the Chancellor discussed the recent reports of surveillance activities allegedly conducted by the U.S. National Security Agency. The President assured the Chancellor that the United States takes seriously the concerns of our European allies and partners.

"The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued close cooperation between our respective intelligence services in the fight against terrorism and other threats to the security of the United States, Germany, and our allies.

"The leaders agreed to hold a high-level meeting of U.S. and German security officials in the coming days to discuss these matters in greater detail.

"They also looked forward to the initiation of a U.S.-EU/EU Member State dialogue on the collection and oversight of intelligence and questions of privacy and data protection, as proposed by Attorney General Eric Holder, as early as July 8.

"Finally, the leaders reiterated their strong support for the launch of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations and welcomed the upcoming first round of discussions."